Tim Brosnan withdraws from vote

BALTIMORE -- Major League Baseball chief operating officer Rob Manfred and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner were left as the remaining candidates to succeed Bud Selig as commissioner after MLB executive vice president Tim Brosnan withdrew before the start of voting Thursday.

Brosnan's withdrawal is being reported by multiple media outlets, including ESPN.

Owners estimated Manfred had the support of 20 or 21 teams headed into the meetings this week, Werner of about six and Brosnan one: the Cincinnati Reds. A three-quarters majority, 23 of the 30 teams, is required to elect a commissioner.

Selig, who has run baseball since September 1992, plans to retire in January.